Hours of Operation

Tuesday-Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 Pm

**Closed Thursday, October 10, 2019**

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Four New Local History Puzzles now available!

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Four new puzzles have just arrived at the History Center bookstore! Three join our existing inventory of historic Utica scenes - the Stanley Theater, Olbiston Apartments and Boston Store- and a fourth features the toboggan slide at Sylvan Beach. Each 504 piece puzzle measures 16” x 20” and retails for $17.99 plus tax. 

Welcome to the oneida county history center, preserving history and promoting the culture of the Greater Mohawk Valley since 1876

2019 Hall of Fame and Living Legends Inducted!

Three new exhibits now on display!

Three new exhibits created by summer interns David, Derek, Emily, and Kennen opened on August 28, 2019 and will be on display throughout the coming year.  Each invites you to explore a different facet of Oneida County History from the colonial era to present day. Visit our exhibits page for more information. 

ONLINE BOOKSTORE

​​Saturday, October 5 at 1:00 pm- Utica's Historic Olmsted Park and Parkway System with Phil Bean

​Utica is home to a park system that is unusually large and historic.  Join Phil Bean, Executive Director of the Central New York Conservancy, to hear about the local origins of these parks, the philosophy of the famous Olmsted family that designed them, and their place in American as well as local history. Free!

Saturday, October 19 at 1:00 pm- Central New York Brewing History with Dan Schumway

​Join Dan Shumway, author and local expert, to explore the brewing history of Oneida County from the early 1800s to around 2010. This fascinating talk will focus on breweries in Utica, but will also cover Rome, Boonville, Westmoreland, Oriskany Falls, and Waterville. Major events such as fires, deaths, and prohibition, plus other interesting stories will be shared. You’ll also get the chance to view and discuss cans, bottles, and artifacts from Dan’s extensive personal collection. Free!

Saturday, October 26 at 11:00 am AND 1:00 pm- Wicca & Witchcraft in Central New York

Lady Awen and Lord Teiwaz believe that magic is inherent in all humans in all cultures and that there is a little bit of Pagan remaining in all of us, as seen in concepts such as intuition, wives tales, superstitions, other long-held practices and beliefs. This topic will be explored as we look back through the centuries and consider local tales and traditions handed down through the ages around the world, and even here in our own community. Free!

Tuesday, October 29 at 7:00 pm- Roscoe’s Birthday Bash with WUTR’s Tom Coyne

Celebrate the 190th birthday of Sen. Roscoe Conkling with WUTR News Director Tom Coyne! Enjoy a few birthday treats and sit back to learn about Conkling’s life and legacy. Roscoe’s personal life from childhood to death, his professional life in Utica and across the nation, plus the cast of characters surrounding him such as Gov. Horatio Seymour, US presidents, his mistress, and more, will be discussed. Join the OCHC to explore this legendary figure in our nation’s history and help support local history.

Suggested donation: $8 members, $10 non-members. Tickets can be purchased at the door or through the e-bookstore. All proceeds benefit the Oneida County History Center.

​Other Upcoming Programs

Saturday, November 2 at 1:00 pm- ​Oneida Folklore and Indigenous Tales with Ron Patterson & Jessica Farmer

Saturday, November 9 at 1:00 pm- The Case of the Black Dagger with Pamela Vittorio

Thursday, November 14 from 6:00-8:00 pm- Member Appreciation Night

​Five individuals were inducted into the Oneida County Historical Hall of Fame on Wednesday, September 25, 2019: Spanish American and World War I veteran Sgt. Charles Adrean, Utica Mayor Boyd Golder, Jewish community advocate Libby Sherman Kowalsky, broadcast personality and Holocaust survivor Julian Noga, and "the father of college hockey," Albert Prettyman.  Congressman Sherwood Boehlert, retired Observer-Dispatch publisher and president Donna Donovan, beloved bakery and restaurant owners Segean and Mary Ann Karam, jazz musician Monk Rowe, and Oneida County Legislator Ed Welsh were honored as the 2019 Richard W. Couper ‘Living Legends’ for their service and impact on the community. More information about the honorees can be found on the website's News Page or by clicking one of the icons below.

Membership is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Oneida County's past, present, and future.

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​Oneida County History Center

2019 Telethon Sponsors

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Living Legends Class of 2019

 Visit the History Center's NEW online bookstore for a great selection of local history books and merchandise.  Our entire inventory is now available to purchase online!  From historical fiction and local ghost stories, to puzzles and biographies, we have something for every local history fan. Shop now!